polygamic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to polygamy: "polygamic" describes something that pertains to or involves the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, typically referring to multiple wives (polygyny) or, less commonly, multiple husbands (polyandry).
- Characterized by multiple marriages: It can also refer to a social or cultural system where polygamy is accepted or practiced.
Usage Examples
- (Describes customs involving multiple spouses.)
- (Refers to social arrangements with multiple marriages.)
- (Pertains to marriages involving more than one spouse.)
Advanced Usage
"polygamic marriage": a marriage that involves more than two partners.
- In certain regions, polygamic marriage is legally recognized under customary law. (A marriage with multiple spouses.)
"polygamic society": a community where polygamy is a norm.
- The polygamic society of the 19th-century Mormons is a well-documented example. (A society practicing polygamy.)
Variants and Related Words
Polygamy (n): the practice or custom of having more than one spouse at the same time.
- Polygamy was historically common in many cultures. (The institution of multiple spouses.)
Polygamous (adj): another adjective form, synonymous with "polygamic."
- He was raised in a polygamous household. (A household with multiple spouses.)
Polygynous (adj): specifically relating to having multiple wives.
- Polygynous marriages were more common than polyandrous ones. (Involving multiple wives.)
Polyandrous (adj): specifically relating to having multiple husbands.
- Polyandrous families are rare but exist in some Himalayan communities. (Involving multiple husbands.)
Synonyms
- Polygamous: directly synonymous; both adjectives describe the same concept.
- Multiple-spouse: a descriptive equivalent, though less formal.
- Multiple-spouse arrangements are studied in anthropology. (Relating to more than one spouse.)
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms directly use "polygamic"; the concept is typically discussed in literal terms.)